Hey yo comic book fans and welcome to another episode of the Crank File. Every Wednesday is new comic book day, and on Tuesday I spotlight some of the titles that I will be checking out at my LCS. Here’s what I’m reading on a surprisingly Marvel heavy week.

The Top of the Pile: Old Man Logan #21

Publisher: MarvelWords: Jeff LemireArt: Felipe Andrade

What it is: THE EPIC ‘PAST LIVES’ SAGA BEGINS HERE! AN INSTANT CLASSIC FOR THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED SERIES! Follow LOGAN through the ages – in the 1800s as a young mutant, to his first encounter with the HULK, to his stint with the X-MEN as WOLVERINE – it’s all here! OLD MAN LOGAN is accidentally sent spiraling through his own past, forced to relive some of his most tragic and intense moments. Will he be able to free himself from these living memories? And will he ever return to the WASTELANDS and the young baby Hulk he left behind? Parental Advisory

Why we love it: Jeff Lemire’s contract with Marvel is coming up and that means some of my favorite current Marvel series will be concluding or more likely relaunching after this year’s Secret Empire event. Old Man Logan may have been my favorite title that Lemire wrote for Marvel, so I’m bummed to see this one go. But thankfully we’ll get one last epic saga before the old man takes a bow and Marvel (hopefully) brings back Wolverine classic.

The Mainstream One: Deadpool Vs Punisher #1

Publisher: MarvelWords: Fred Van LenteArt: Pere Perez

What it is: Frank Castle has an unstoppable will – a powerful drive to punish those who do wrong, rooted in the tragic killing of his family. Wade Wilson has an unstoppable mouth – an unthinking knack for annoying everyone around him, rooted in thinking he’s funny. Both men, however, are among the deadliest on the planet. When they find themselves in disagreement over the criminal known as The Bank, they’re in for one of the most brutal fights of their lives! Can Frank kill Wade over and over without ever dying once himself? Or will Wade bug him until he welcomes death?

Why we like it: It seems like every time Deadpool teams-up with another hero, the results are hysterical. This is clearly no team-up, as denoted by the “Vs” in Deadpool Vs Punisher, but judging by the cover I’m expecting healthy doses of jokes and violence.

The Indie One: Seven to Eternity #5 (Albuquerque variant)

Publisher: ImageWords: Rick RemenderArt: Jerome Opena

What it is: NEW STORY ARC! Adam Osidis and the Mosak come to a crossroads. The choices they make here will echo throughout the lands of Zhal for all eternity.

Why we like it: Seven to Eternity is one of those books that remind us why a publisher like Image is essential to the industry. It’s a story that wouldn’t and probably couldn’t be told by the capes and underwear crowd. Remender’s writing is top-form and Opena’s richly detailed art fully brings this dystopic fantasy to life.

The #1 One: Rose #1

Publisher: ImageWords: Meredith FinchArt: Ig Guara

What it is: SERIES PREMIERE A classic fantasy tale about a girl trying to restore balance to a broken world. Rose must connect with her Khat-Thorne-to become the Guardian the world needs. But things aren’t easy for Rose and Thorne, the powerful sorcerous Drucilla has many powerful and demonic allies-all of them focused on stopping one scared little girl who’s desperately trying to stay alive and do what’s right. Written by MEREDITH FINCH (Wonder Woman, Little Mermaid), and drawn by fan-favorite artist IG GUARA (Batman: Arkham Knight, Blue Beetle, The Ravagers).

Why we like it: The synopsis reminds me of the episode of Bob’s Burgers when Louis writes a Game of Thrones-esque story that centers around her Aunt Gail and her cat dragons. I like the creative team and Image has been on a roll recently, so I’ll give this one a browse at the stands.

The One I’m Buying for the Cover: Amazing Spiderman #26 (Cover A and/or Resurrxion variant)

What it is: ‘THE OSBORN IDENTITY’ CONTINUES! Silver Sable comes back into Spider-Man’s life – but isn’t she DEAD?! Norman Osborn has worked his way into a position of power in Symkaria, and any incursion by Spider-Man will be seen as an act of war. Will Spider-Man risk international infamy to take down his most dangerous foe?

Why we like it: Not one, but two smoking-hot covers for this week’s ASM. With rumors of Silver Sable heading to the silver screen, I’m grabbing the regular Alex Ross cover for sure. And Storm’s one of my favorite X-Men of all time, so I’ll grab the Ressurrxtion variant if I can get it for a reasonable price.

Happy Halloween comic book fans and welcome to another episode of the Crank File. The comic book world mourns the loss of Steve Dillon this week. Dillon was co-creator and artist on the seminal Vertigo series Preacher and is known for his work on Hellblazer and Punisher. His uncanny ability to capture expression and lead the reader’s eye placed Dillon among the great visual storytellers of our generation. He was one of the good guys, in a world with way too many of the bad.

Here’s what I’m reading this week:

The Top of the Pile: Saga #39

Publisher: ImageWords: Brian K. VaughanArt: Fiona Staples

What it is: ‘THE WAR FOR PHANG,’ Part Three New allies join the battle, but so do deadly new enemies.

Why we love it: Early on in Saga, Hazel made the observation that in war there is always collateral damage. Acceptable losses. The War for Phang took one of my favorite characters last issue and this one really stung. Things had been going too well for Alana, Marko and Hazel for too long and tragedy was inevitable.

The Mainstream one: Vision #12

Publisher: MarvelWords: Tom KingArt: Mike Del Mundo

What it is: A while ago, a robot created a family. And all was good. For a while. Then came the murders. The lies. The betrayals. The battles fought. The battles lost. The family lost. And now, at the end, Vision stands alone. He must decide how he will go on, if he will go on, if he can go on. And that decision will shape the Marvel Universe for quite a while. The epic, stunning conclusion to the most highly praised series of the year. Simply put, this is the issue everyone will be talking about.

Why we like it: King’s macabre Vision comes to a conclusion this week and all’s that is left to do is sweep up the ashes. Vision has been devastating, haunting and most surprisingly, incredibly human. I’m sad to see it wrap after only 12 issues, but considering how radically different in tone and story Vision is from other Marvel titles I’m truly thankful that we got this series at all.

The Indie One: Seven to Eternity #2

Publisher: ImageWords: Rick RemenderArt: Jerome Opena

What it is: Now face to face with the God of Whispers, enslaver of worlds, all that stands between Adam Osidis and his heart’s every desire is one simple compromise, to bend the knee.

Why we like it: Looks like Remender and Opena have another hit on their hands. I had high expectations for the story since it was a Remender comic, but I was absolutely floored by Opena’s artwork. Issue #1 was awesome and all 4 covers are selling above cover price. I’m expecting lots of interest in issue #2.

The #1 One: Spookhouse #1

Publisher: AlbatrossWords and Art: Eric Powell

What it is: Eric Powell presents the first issue of an all new anthology series of scary camp fire tales for kids!

Why we like it: Eric Powell lend’s his unique style to a collection of stories from his independent label about the things that go bump in the night. I’m expecting some good fun and a Halloween scare.

The One I’m Buying for the Cover: Wayward #17

What it is: Back in Japan, the aftermath of the battle and the treacherous road ahead.

Why we like it: You may recognize Sana Takeda’s art from her work on Image’s Monstress. She definitely draws inspiration from manga, but I feel like her use of colors and patterns make her style distinct. I would love to see her work on more titles.

Greetings comic book enthusiasts and welcome to another episode of the Crank File. What cranks here, stays here. A couple of store exclusive variants featuring the evil spidey-symbiote made a lot of noise last week. KRS Comics commissioned a badazz cover for Deadpool Bank in Black by Tyler Kirkham which sold out within hours. Frankie’s Comics announced a Venom variant by the hottest cover artist in the game, Gabrielle Dell’Otto, which sold out within hours without the artwork even being revealed. The variant market has seen some crazy movement in the last decade. There are duds which can be easily picked up at cover price, but the most desirable, high-ratio variants can climb into three figure territory just weeks after release. I have a feeling that these two variant covers have potential to fall into the latter category. The variant bubble will pop eventually, but there’s money to be made in the short term if you know how to place your bets.

It’s a good week for new books, with a lot of my personal favorites not even making the cut. Let’s take a look at what did make it.

Here’s what I’m reading this week:

The Top of the Pile: The Vision #11

Publisher: MarvelWords: Tom KingArt: Gabriel Del Mundo

What it is: The Avengers draw a line in the sand. They tell Vision he is not to cross this line. If he does, they will destroy him. ‘Remember,’ they say. ‘You’re an Avenger. First. Always.’ ‘Stay where you are,’ they say. ‘Don’t cross the line,’ they say. Vision nods. He tells them he understands. Then Vision crosses the line. The end is coming for the most critically acclaimed book of the year, and no one is safe. Don’t miss the issue everyone will be talking about. Also, hail Hydra.

Why we love it: Vision still has my vote for best comic series of the year. Two issues to go before this tragic tale of synth-imitating-life reaches it’s inevitably tragic conclusion. I’ve abandoned all hope of a happy ending, so I’m strapping in and bracing for the G’s. This is going to be train wreck ugly and I can’t look away.

The Mainstream one: Trinity #1

Publisher: DCWords and Art: Francis Manapul

What it is: ‘BETTER TOGETHER’ part 1! Together again for the first time! Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. The core of the World’s Greatest Heroes, but with a new Man of Steel, the bonds these three share will be tested and redefined by super-star writer/artist Francis Manapul. In this premiere issue, see the trio travel from Metropolis to Gotham City and beyond to learn what forces launched their heroic careers. But how will this journey of discovery lead them to a new threat?

Why we like it: I’m a big fan of Manapul’s artwork but not all that familiar with his writing. I’ve read some of his work on ‘Tec, so I know at least he can write a good Batman. With DC’s big three under the same roof this is a can’t miss issue. Let’s just hope that it’s more entertaining than BvS.

The Indie One: Black Hammer #3

Publisher: Dark HorseWords: Jeff LemireArt: Dean Ormston

What it is: Long before Spiral City’s greatest heroes were written out of their universe, the Martian champion Barbalien was already stranded far from home. Disguised as churchgoing Mark Markz in the timeless farming community where the heroes find themselves trapped, Barbalien faces a terrifying personal decision, even as he relives his painful past!

Why we like it: Black Hammer is what would happen if the Avengers crash landed on the set of the television series The Prisoner. Jeff Lemire is a master at writing non-superhero, superhero books and Black Hammer is no exception. The scratchy artwork takes some getting used to, but the characters, drama and dialogue are instantly relateable.

The #1 One: Seven to Eternity #1

Publisher: ImageWords: Rick RemenderArt: Jermoe Opena

What it is: The God of Whispers has spread an omnipresent paranoia to every corner of the kingdom of Zhal; his spies hide in every hall spreading mistrust and fear. Adam Osidis, a dying knight from a disgraced house, must choose between joining a hopeless band of magic users in their desperat e bid to free their world of the evil God, or accepting his promise to give Adam everything his heart desires. Writer Rick Remender reteams with collaborators Jermoe Opena and Matt Hollingsworth to take you on a hard road through the strange fantasy world of Zhal. All men have surrendered their freedom for fear. Now, one last free man must choose.

Why we like it: There’s a bunch of DC #1’s out this week, including the aforementioned Trinity and also New Teen Titan alums Cyborg and Raven. But I have a huge man-crush on Rick Remender and will always pick up the first issue of any series that he’s writing just to hear what one of the best voices in comics has to say. I can’t say that the description did much for me, but Remender and Opena are a creative dream team and Seven to Eternity will definitely be towards the top of Wednesday’s stack.

The One I’m Buying for the Cover: Harley Quinn #4 (Sienkiewicz variant)

What it is: ‘108 MILLION WAYS TO DIE!’ Even though she hates to leave Coney Island as it rebuilds after the zombie apocalypse, Harley must set out on a journey that will take her around the world-and into the clutches of a bizarre robotic enemy! Too bad her Mecha-Harley suit didn’t fit in the overhead bin?

Why we like it: Harley and Ivy, comic book fans’ favorite BFFs with benefits.